ICS Secretary General urges keeping seafarers out of geopolitical conflicts
International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Secretary General Thomas Kazakos said at the Xinde Marine Forum in Hamburg that seafarers must not be drawn into geopolitical conflicts or used as leverage in disputes over international waterways. This was reported by Cyprus Mail.
Delivering the opening address at the event under the motto “Navigate Uncertainty, Embrace Transition,” Kazakos stressed that seafarers should not find themselves in the middle of geopolitical conflicts and are not combatants. According to him, they work far from home, ensuring the transportation of essential goods, energy and food around the world.
Campaign concerning the Strait of Hormuz
The ICS position is linked to a campaign to defend freedom of navigation and oppose the possible introduction of mandatory fees or service charges for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The ICS said that since the start of the conflict around the strategically important waterway, there have been wounded and fatalities among seafarers working in the region.
On August 3, the ICS coordinated a joint open letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez. The document, signed by eight leading shipping associations, expressed concern over proposals to introduce fees or mandatory service charges for vessels passing through the strait.
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The letter’s authors warned that such measures could weaken the established legal framework governing international straits, set a precedent for similar charges elsewhere, and increase the cost of maritime transport and energy supplies. The ICS also held meetings with the ministers of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Uncertainty for shipowners
During SMM Hamburg events, ICS Chair John Denholm said shipowners do not lack willingness to invest. At the same time, supply chain instability and geopolitical risks make it difficult to assess the commercial viability of technologies and projects over a vessel’s operational lifetime.
Kazakos also warned against increasing fragmentation of international shipping regulation. In his view, regional approaches, competing requirements and pressure on international institutions pose a serious challenge to an industry that depends on common global rules.
